In today’s Gospel Jesus has literally been demonized by some opponents after he has just performed an exorcism. His opponents cannot deny that he has performed a healing and exorcism that was just described in the previous verse: “He was driving out a demon that was...
Jesus teaches about “persistence” in prayers in today’s Gospel. He gives the example of a friend who will give loaves if not because of “friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.” Jesus is not teaching that we need to...
Today we begin reading from the book of Jonah. In today’s first reading God commands Jonah: “Set out for the great city of Nineveh and preach against it.” Instead of heading east toward Nineveh, Jonah flees west to Tarshish. God sends a storm and a large fish to...
In today’s first reading from Nehemiah, we have a solemn reading of the Word of God. It is the first day of the seventh month which is perhaps the day of the solemn renewal of the covenant. Ezra, the scribe, solemnly processes in front of the assembly. He opens the...
In today’s Gospel Jesus teaches the cost of discipleship, the cost of following him. Three people come forward wanting to follow Jesus. The first one makes the bold claim: “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus accepts him but also warns him of the cost of...
